CHILDREN: 37 Ways to Prepare your Child for Starting School

Starting Primary School is such a big milestone for both child and parents, but how is it best to prepare? I think a lot of us would instantly assume that supporting our child with phonics, writing words/numbers, reading and all things academic is the best way and although these can be important there are a whole host of other skills that are really important to learn prior to starting school.

PRE-SCHOOLER: Our Experience of Toilet Training Regression and What Helped

At the end of 2017 we decided it was the perfect opportunity to start potty training Isabella, at 2.5 years old she was able to communicate when she needed the toilet and we had around a month with no real commitments. Though I felt very apprehensive about the whole 'potty training' world we took the plunge and put her straight into pants. After a few accidents Isabella seemed to take to potty training really well; my worst fears quickly washed away and I started to feel confident that we could do this big milestone in her life. Months and months passed where there would only be the odd accident, mainly if we were on a long journey or not near a suitable toilet quick enough. I couldn't believe our luck!

STARTING PRIMARY SCHOOL: Things to Consider

Primary School. An exciting time in a child's life when they make new friends, learn new things and gain new experiences. Primary School. A really hard time in a parent's life when they wave goodbye to their child for five days of the week, smile through the tears of sadness and hope with all of their might that their child will have a happy school experience. It's that time of year when parents will anxiously look around primary schools to decide which one is best for their child, ask all the questions they have and imagine what their child will be like sitting at the desks and playing with their friends. I honestly can't believe that this year it's our turn to do all of this in readiness for Isabella starting school next September. How is my first baby, the one that made me a mummy, already getting preparing for going to school?

AUTUMN: 5 Child-Friendly Outdoor Blackboard Activities

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Autumn is that time of year that can be quite awkward when you become a parent. One day it will be raining, then the next it will be blue skies and bright sunshine. Personally, I love the cooler weather and it is the perfect time for us to get outside as a family. Our garden probably gets more use in the autumn months than the summer to be honest, but whatever the weather Isabella and Poppy love exploring outdoors. Autumn is such a generous season when it comes to 'gifts from nature' with the colourful leaves, conkers, sticks, apples etc. There are so many different activities you can do with children outdoors that cost almost nothing, by simply using what nature provides. 

STARTING PRIMARY SCHOOL: The Questions to Ask

During September, October, November and December is when parents all over the country will be anxiously looking around their local primary schools trying to decide which is best for their child next year. I honestly can't believe that it's me this year, as Isabella starts school in 2019. Those big decisions, that will impact Isabella's whole primary school life, are down to us as parents and I'm feeling the pressure to 'get it right'. Looking around schools is vital to making this decision, as it allows us to get a feel for the school environment and ask any questions we have. All you have to do if you want to look around is ring up the school's office and ask to book in to have a look around as a prospective parent and they should offer you a time/date. When you arrive you'll probably be shown around by the headteacher, but sometimes it will be a deputy head, a teacher or a couple of the older pupils. If it is possible to get hold of the headteacher it is ideal for asking all the questions you have, as they should know all of the answers.

PARENTHOOD: All the Emotions about my First Child starting School

I've lost count how many tears I've already cried about Isabella going to school and it's not for another year yet. The thought of her spending more time with someone else honestly breaks my heart at the moment; I just can't imagine what it will be like. As Isabella is our first child she is always the one we experience milestones with first, which makes each and every one so much more emotional. By Christmas this year we will have applied for her primary school place and by her fourth birthday we will know where she is going to be spending the next seven years of primary school life. Just typing that makes my heart beat faster and brings a lump to my throat; how are we already here?